Honeysuckle's victory at the Cheltenham Festival on Tuesday cost Paddy Power close to €1million.
Rachael Blackmore partnered the supermare to victory to give trainer Henry de Bromhead an emotional victory in the Mares' Hurdle.
Betting firms were battered on the opening day of the meeting and will be hoping to claw back some of that cash over the coming days.
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Rachael Kane, spokesperson for Paddy Power said: “Honeysuckle has broken the bookies on day one of the Cheltenham Festival, and frankly, we couldn’t be happier!
"We stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the racing public in willing Rachael Blackmore across the line in the Mares Hurdle for trainer Henry De Bromhead and his family in what will forever be remembered as one of the most magical moments ever witnessed at the Cheltenham Festival.
"That result alone cost us close to €1million on what was already a tough day at the office given the results of the previous four races, including Constitution Hill’s heart-stopping leap at the last in the Champion Hurdle.
"But we’re crying for all the right reasons tonight having witnessed the stuff of legends from the unstoppable feminine force that is Rachael and Honeysuckle, who went out in a blaze of glory. We head into day two with heavy hearts and lighter pockets having waved goodbye to a true legend.”
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes added: “Punters have hit the front in the battle with the bookies on day one. With four favourites landing in succession, it’s been a day to forget for the bookies. We’ve lost this battle, but the war is far from over with three more days of action to go.”
Meanwhile, William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, commented: “The punters have taken the upper hand after day one with a string of fancied runners proving very costly.
“El Fabiolo, Corach Rambler and Galliard Du Mesnil were all popular, while plenty came for Honeysuckle in the Mares’ Hurdle.
“As a result, we’re playing catch-up and could certainly do with a few favourites getting turned over tomorrow, particularly Impaire Et Passe in the opening Ballymore, but there’s a long way to go!”
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